1. Desk feasibility modelling (free, no obligation)
Starting input from the parish: twelve months of electricity bills (kWh and £) and roof photos (aerial Google Maps view + a few ground-level shots). We run the following:
- Demand profile: we model the parish's monthly electricity consumption pattern. Sunday-only churches typically peak at 800-1,500 kWh/month for winter; active halls run 1,500-3,500 kWh/month consistently.
- Generation modelling: we use PVSyst-equivalent modelling tools to estimate annual generation per square metre of available south-facing roof. UK national average is 900-1,000 kWh/kW; per-site varies with latitude, shading, and roof orientation.
- Self-consumption modelling: based on demand profile and generation profile, we estimate the proportion of generated electricity used on site (vs exported). Critical for economic viability.
- Capex estimation: based on system size, building listing status, and access logistics. We hold real cost data from 50+ delivered installs as our reference set.
- Grant mapping: Buildings for Mission, diocesan capital, LPW VAT, charitable trusts — we identify the routes specific to your parish's diocese/circuit/trust and listing status.
Output: a PCC-ready report within 7 working days. Free, no obligation, no follow-up sales pressure.
2. On-site survey
Once the PCC has reviewed the desk feasibility and voted to proceed, we conduct an on-site survey. Half a day to a full day, depending on building complexity. Three engineers attend:
- Structural engineer — assesses roof structure, load capacity, fixing options. For listed buildings, engages with the church's quinquennial report and engages the diocesan architect.
- Electrical engineer — assesses incoming supply (single/three-phase, main switch amps), existing distribution, DNO upgrade requirements.
- Heritage specialist (for listed buildings) — assesses visual impact, fabric sensitivity, conservation considerations.
Output: detailed proposal with fixed-price quote, drawings, fixings specification, conservation rationale, system specification, and grant application strategy. Delivered within 14 working days of the survey.
3. Faculty / Listed Building Consent preparation
For CofE parishes: we prepare the complete faculty package. Statement of Significance (800-1,500 words), Statement of Needs (600-1,200 words), drawings, fixings detail, conservation rationale, diocesan architect engagement letter. For listed buildings: Listed Building Consent application runs in parallel.
Our standard sequencing: engage diocesan architect at survey stage, share draft Statement of Significance for feedback before formal submission, address feedback, then submit the full application package. This catches issues early and improves DAC turnaround dramatically.
For Catholic, Methodist, URC and free-church parishes: no faculty equivalent. Listed buildings need Listed Building Consent under civil regime; unlisted buildings typically use Permitted Development. Trustee approval handled internally.
4. Grant applications
We draft the Buildings for Mission application (CofE), diocesan capital programme application, Methodist Net Zero application (Methodist), Catholic diocesan capital application (Catholic), and any charitable trust applications applicable to your parish. The technical and financial sections come from us; the mission and stewardship narrative comes from the parish.
Submissions are timed to align with funding round deadlines. Most CofE diocesan rounds are quarterly; Methodist Net Zero runs continuously; Catholic diocesan rounds vary by diocese. We track the calendar and submit accordingly.
5. Install management
Once faculty, grants, contract and DNO are all in place, we manage the install on site. Typical duration: 1-2 weeks for systems below 20 kW, 2-4 weeks for 20-60 kW, 4-8 weeks for cathedral-scale. Crew of 3-5 engineers plus heritage specialist for listed buildings.
PCC commitments during install: hosting access (one named contact), confirming services and bookings to avoid disruption, attending the commissioning walkthrough. We work to a detailed risk assessment and method statement; on-site supervision is by an MCS-accredited site manager.
6. Commissioning and ongoing
Commissioning: full system performance test, DNO commissioning certificate, MCS commissioning certificate, building regulations notification, Eco Church credit documentation, parish handover pack. We typically attend a Sunday-morning service or PCC meeting in the month after commissioning for a formal switch-on.
Ongoing: 5-year free remote monitoring (extended packages available). Annual parish carbon report supporting the parish's annual return to the diocese. Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme claim filed on the parish's behalf within 12 months of invoice. Inverter replacement scheduled for year 12-15 (typical inverter life).
What this methodology delivers
- 100% faculty approval rate since 2018 (40+ applications)
- 60-90% grant capture rates on Buildings for Mission and diocesan applications
- Fixed-price proposals — no variation orders without PCC written approval
- Median 11-week DAC turnaround for Grade II non-controversial cases
- Annual carbon reporting integrated with diocesan Net Zero pathway
- 10-year IWA-backed workmanship warranty plus 25-year manufacturer panel warranty